Spirit Square Center for the Arts

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

This
facility has served not only as Charlotte’s headquarters for the performing and
visual arts but also as a critical component in the revitalization of the
city’s Uptown area. It was originally housed in five adjoining structures.
Then, in 1988, the Spirit Square organization commissioned SchenkelShultz Fort
Wayne, now Elevatus Architecture, to renovate and expand the existing
facilities and upgrade the heating, air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing
systems. The challenge was to forge five separate structures into a single
venue that would foster collaboration and cooperation between the arts while
still emphasizing the uniqueness of each building being unified. The resulting
design was organized around a three-story atrium that celebrates Spirit
Square’s three program areas: the performing arts, the visual arts, and
education. In addition to the renovation of an existing 700-seat auditorium,
the first floor of the facility included a new entry space, the grand concourse
and atrium, gallery spaces, a gift shop, a concession area and box office, and a
new 250-seat theater. The upper levels house studios added for acting, print-making,
ceramics, and dance.

After
taking over management of Spirit Square in 1996, the Blumenthal Performing Arts
Center commissioned SchenkelShultz to renovate the facility again so additional
programs could be accommodated, including
music education and expanded programs for children.